The extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez is set to advocate for the brothers' release from prison during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles. The family members, including the brothers' aunt, are traveling from across the country to show their support. This comes as prosecutors are reviewing new evidence to determine whether the brothers should continue serving life sentences for killing their parents.
Erik Menendez, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56, are currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion over 35 years ago. The brothers admitted to fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in 1989. They claimed they feared their parents were going to kill them to prevent the disclosure of their father's long-term sexual abuse of Erik.
The family's attorney has expressed strong support for the brothers' release, with comedian Rosie O'Donnell also planning to join the family at the news conference. The LA County District Attorney recently announced a review of the case, acknowledging that the brothers committed the murders but stating that new evidence will be considered for a potential resentencing.
The brothers' attorneys argue that the family believed they should have been charged with manslaughter instead of murder. They claim that the jury did not have the option of manslaughter during the trial that led to the brothers' murder conviction. The case has gained renewed attention following the release of a true-crime drama on Netflix.
New evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez detailing the alleged sexual abuse by his father, will be presented at an upcoming hearing. The brothers maintain that they acted in self-defense after enduring a lifetime of abuse from their parents. Their attorneys suggest that changing societal views on sexual abuse may have impacted the outcome of their trial.
In 1996, jurors opted for a life sentence without parole over the death penalty for the brothers. The case continues to spark debate and scrutiny as the legal process unfolds.
